Race on the Gulf Coast or over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, race recaps and previews, and more news from the world of IRONMAN.

Historic Gulf Coast Triathlon Joins IRONMAN Family in 2017

Rebranded as the IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast, the race previously known as the Gulf Coast Triathlon will keep its historic roots and take place on Saturday, May 13, 2017, joining the historic IRONMAN Florida triathlon on one of the world's most beautiful beaches in Panama City Beach. The inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast race will take place Saturday, May 13, 2017, with general registration opening November 9, 2016.

IRONMAN Acquires Across the Bay 10k

IRONMAN today welcomes the Across the Bay 10k into its global race portfolio, beginning with this year's event, which will be held on November 6, 2016, on Maryland's iconic Chesapeake Bay Bridge. IRONMAN continues to move further into the running market with this becoming the third running event in North America, joining the Santa Cruz Half Marathon taking place on April 9, 2017 and the Iron Girl Clearwater Half Marathon and 5k.

IRONMAN's Bertsch First to Attain the Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP) Certification within the Participatory Sporting Events Industry

The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) recently awarded our very own John Bertsch—Director of Public Safety Emergency Management for the IRONMAN World Championship—the Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP) certification. Bertsch is the first in the nation to attain the CSSP within the participatory sporting events industry.

When they asked Bertsch what safety and security issues keep him up at night he chuckled and replied,"A lot. We are on a volcanic island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with 2,700 world-class athletes representing over 80 countries ocean swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles (in 90-degree temperature and 80% humidity) and running a 26.2 mile Marathon thru the lava fields."

Bertsch has been in and around law enforcement and public safety for over 26 years. He served stints in the USCG-AUX, Coconino County Sheriff’s Department, Hawaii Fire Department and most notably, as the Police Commissioner for the County of Hawaii. A multisport athlete, John has competed in numerous triathlons, marathons and sporting events as well as contributing as a youth sports soccer coach for over 15 years. In 2007, John was the Hawaii County Malama Award recipient for outstanding contributions to the community and sports. He is a Volunteer Fire Captain/Firefighter II, a 20-year member of Department of Homeland Security-United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, a member of the US Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security - Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), Hawaii State Law Enforcement Officials Association, Federal Law Enforcement Foundation, Hawaii Fire Chiefs Association and the National Volunteer Firefighters Association. Director Bertsch sits on the Advisory Committee for the Department of Defense – US Army Garrison Hawaii Pohakuloa Military Training Area and the Board of the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association for the Department of Interior National Parks Service. In 2012 John attended the FBI Citizen's Academy.

For those who make it to Hawaii one day, Bertsch describes the perfect scene as an empty hammock strung between two palms on the beach during sunset and a Mai Tai with the pineapple wedge firmly nestled on the rim. This kind of relaxation is well deserved after effectively managing safety and security for an event as mighty as the IRONMAN World Championship.

100 Finish Lines: Susan Haag

by Courtney Johnson

Racing for a cause is nothing new for 50-year-old Jacksonville attorney Susan Haag and neither is racing a full-distance triathlon. On November 5th, she will be racing her 100th (yes, you read that right) full-distance race for the Children's Tumor Foundation and her "hero" Clara Zehr at the 2016 IRONMAN Florida triathlon. "Children touch my heart. I might not be an Olympian but I have my health. I have all my faculties and appendages. I'm not really struggling to get beyond something. Anytime someone has to rise above physical challenges or even demons, I can't even imagine. So, when I accomplish something I don't think it's that big of a deal. But, when I see someone just accept it as this is the life I've been given and yet rise above it and then to accomplish anything close to what I do or anyone else does is a herculean effort."

Register Now for IRONMAN Canada and Win!

When it comes to next year's racing schedule, are you afraid of committment? Trust us, if there was ever a reason to start checking boxes for 2017, it's now!

Athletes who register for IRONMAN Canada between November 4th and December 16th are eligible to win a four night stay at a five-star accommodation in Whistler during race week, with a side of four VIP passes (for the athlete’s guests to enjoy on race day).

Two drawings will be held: The first on December 1, 2016, and the second on December 16th, 2016. (Contest details here.)

If that hasn't tempted you to sign up for one of North America's most beautiful IRONMAN courses, read on for insider course and destination inspiration:

An Evening of Champions and Inspiration

The annual IRONMAN World Championship Broadcast Premiere presented by UnitedHealthcare is set to take place in New York City on December 5th, 2016. Join the best and brightest in the world of triathlon as they gather at the Times Center in New York City to re-live the day that defines our sport: The 2016 IRONMAN World Championship. At an exclusive VIP Broadcast Premiere in Times Square, attendees will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the biggest names in IRONMAN, including the legendary "Voice of IRONMAN" Mike Reilly, world class professional IRONMAN athletes, and countless other stars of the sport.

What We Read This Week

4 Ways IRONMAN is Flexing its Muscle in Mexico: Interested in racing in Mexico in 2017? Read on for highlights of each IRONMAN event offered in this vibrant country. - Travel Pulse

72-Year-Old Ready for IRONMAN After Motorcycle Accident: Nothing can slow this triathlete down. Ken Hola is anxious to take on IRONMAN Florida this weekend after suffering from a shattered shoulder, fractured ribs, punctured lungs, and a lacerated spleen back in May. - Shoreview Press

Races in Review

IRONMAN 70.3 Austin

Leiferman and Seymore Lasso Wins in Texas

Chris Leiferman and Jeanni Seymour make the best out of the bike-run format at IRONMAN 70.3 Austin.

Race Previews

IRONMAN 70.3 Rio de Janeiro

Brazil's Santiago Ascenco returns to defend his title and he will unquestionably have challenges coming at him from many sources. Reinaldo Colucci is returning to racing after spending the last four years on the ITU circuit. He proved at a young age he has a rare gift to be able to race short and long distance with success and now that the Olympic cycle is complete, we are likely to see the Brazilian racing the half and full distances once again. Also racing in Rio are Igor Amoreelli, Tim Don, Guilherme Manocchio, Fabio Carvalho, Mirio de Elias, and Luiz Francisco who all should make this a fast race from swim start to run end.

Mariana Borges is the returning women's champion and will have to face a tough field that includes Ariane Monticeli, Connie Abraham, Liz Lyles, and Jeanni Seymour.